Residents across south Devon have been advised to boil their tap water after 16 cases of a diarrhoea-type illness were confirmed, according to the UK Health Security Agency. A further 70 suspected cases are also being investigated. Cryptosporidium was identified as being predominantly a waterborne disease. Drinking contaminated water, or swallowing it while swimming in pools or streams, can cause infections.
South West Water (SWW) has urged residents in affected areas such as Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland, and north-east Paignton to boil their tap water. Chris Rockey, from SWW, said boiled water was safe for drinking, cooking, and cleaning teeth with in these areas. The firm has been investigating the situation since it was contacted by the UK Health Security Agency on Monday.
Conservative MP for Totnes, Anthony Mangnall, claimed that it was “enormously frustrating” that South West Water did not respond more quickly when the situation was reported. “Residents were quick to actually point out there was something wrong with the water, they could taste it, and now they are suffering,” he said. “What I want to see is for them to address the problem, fix it as quickly as possible and make sure the support for residents is there both now and into the future so they can have confidence in their drinking water.”
SWW issued an apology for the inconvenience caused and promised to keep customers and businesses updated. The firm said unboiled water could only be used for washing, bathing, and toilet flushing. In addition to that, bottled water stations will be set up in the affected areas as soon as possible. The UK Health Security Agency revealed that it was working alongside Torbay Council, South West Water (SWW), NHS Devon, and the Environment Agency to investigate the cases
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